Politics: demonstrations in France, part 1
Self-tutoring about politics in France that may be instructive to its cohort: the tutor begins about the unrest.
The following is by my understanding.
I’m not always attentive to what’s going on in France, but my general impression is that it has an educated population and a bloated government. I think, on both counts, it’s moreso than Canada.
When government gets too big, its upkeep can drain the rest of the economy. If I believe that’s what’s happening, or already happened, in France, it seems I’m not alone.
It seems, now, that a meaningful proportion of people in France are critically doubting whether they can build a future there. Apparently, for 2025, France recorded more deaths than births for the first time since WWII.
Regardless of what lens you’re looking through, France seems to be facing a problem that simply more of the same government probably won’t solve. Perhaps less government?
For perspective, as of 2024, France’s ratio of government spending to gdp was 57 percent, Canada’s 45 percent, and the US, 38 percent.
Source:
Thelot, H. (Jan 13, 2026). “Demographic report 2025.” https://www.insee.fr/en/statistiques/8726555
Jack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane, Campbell River, BC.